Amazing Glaze Q and A

1. What’s the difference between Amazing Glaze and Diamond Glaze? Which should I use?

Using either Amazing Glaze or Diamond Glaze will achieve the same result, but each requires a different setting process.

Use Amazing Glaze if you:
- have a conventional oven, toaster oven or embossing gun
- want your project to be completed in less than one hour

Use Diamond Glaze if you:
- prefer not to use heat
- have 2-3 hours for your project to cure

2. How do I size my image correctly for a picture frame I am planning to glaze?

Use FusionBeads.com's picture frame template or plated picture frame template as a guide for cutting out your images. If you print these templates on cardstock or other heavy paper, they will be more durable and can be reused. You can also use decorative punches or cut out any fun shape to fit inside the frame.

3. Why is the glazing template I printed not sized correctly for my picture frame?

When printing the glazing template, choose “None” from the Page Scaling option menu.

4. Which heating instrument should I use with Amazing Glaze – a conventional oven, a toaster oven or an embossing gun?

Any of these three heating instruments will work with Amazing Glaze. Here are things to consider:

- A conventional oven is practical if you do not have a toaster oven. It also allows more space to set multiple projects at once. The temperature can be somewhat difficult to control with a conventional oven. After it has been used to set Amazing Glaze, always allow the oven to vent completely before using it with food.
- If you already have a toaster oven dedicated to craft use, it is most practical for setting Amazing Glaze. A toaster oven will take less time to preheat than a conventional oven. If your toaster oven is not dedicated to craft use, always allow it to vent completely before using it with food.
- An embossing gun is a good alternative if you prefer not to use your conventional oven or toaster oven. It offers more heating control. Use the embossing gun slowly and carefully to prevent air pressure from the gun from blowing the glazing powder away.

Regardless of the heating instrument, it is possible to overheat and scorch a printed image or dissolve beads or other products that you have set in the Amazing Glaze. For this reason, we recommend using copies of photos or artwork rather than originals. Always use tweezers or pliers when picking up a heated piece to avoid burns.

5. How can I eliminate bubbles in Amazing Glaze?

After you have removed the glazed piece from the heat source, let it cool. Small particles of glaze that have not dissolved may appear as bubbles. Carefully reheat the piece to dissolve the remaining Amazing Glaze particles.

If you are using hollow forms as design elements in Amazing Glaze, avoid air bubbles by filling the form before setting in the final piece.

6. How long will it take for Amazing Glaze to set?

Oven temperatures vary, so the length of time your piece requires may also vary. Most pieces take about 3-5 minutes. After removing the piece from the oven, allow it to cool on a flat surface for 15 minutes or until completely cool.

7. Can I reheat Amazing Glaze?

Yes, you can reheat Amazing Glaze. However, keep a close eye on it to avoid overheating as it will yellow and become brittle.

8. How can I make layers with Amazing Glaze?

Make the first layer leaving enough room in the form for another layer. When the piece has cooled completely, place the beads or other objects that you want to enclose on the surface of the first layer, and then add another layer of Amazing Glaze. Reheat using the same temperature setting that you used for the first layer. Keep a close eye on the second heating. Both layers will be dissolving, so if you have overfilled the form, the Amazing Glaze may spill over the edges.

9. What should I do if Amazing Glaze spills over the sides of my form?

Let the form cool as usual. Use an art knife to carefully cut away the excess Amazing Glaze from the edges of the form. If you use too much pressure, you may cause the Amazing Glaze to chip.

10. How can I repair a chip in the Amazing Glaze?

You can carefully reheat the piece to dissolve and smooth the surface. Be careful to prevent overheating the materials enclosed in the glaze. Reheating may cause paper, glitter or other delicate materials to scorch or melt from overheating.

11. What are appropriate materials to enclose with Amazing Glaze?

When choosing materials to enclose with Amazing Glaze, keep in mind that the materials will be heated.

- Polymer clay, fabric and printed images such as those from magazines work well, as do photographs and crafting paper. (If the fabric or paper appears transparent when wet, it will also appear transparent when set in Amazing Glaze.)
- Images printed with an ink jet printer and other water-soluble inks will bleed.
- Mica glitter, glass glitter and Art Institute polyester glitter will work. However, other brands of polyester glitter may dissolve, bubble or run during heating.
- Any materials with a matte finish will not appear matte once set in Amazing Glaze.
- Organic items such as leaves and flowers will bubble and boil when set in Amazing Glaze. If you wish to use them, make sure they are thoroughly dried first.
- Plastics and wood are not recommended for use with Amazing Glaze.

Remember to keep a close eye on the materials as you heat them, as overheating can cause scorching. We recommend using copies of photos or artwork rather than originals.

12. Can I enclose dimensional objects with Amazing Glaze?

Yes, if you are careful! Here are things to consider:

- The enclosed materials must be able to withstand a heating process as high as 300 degrees.
- Crystal beads and flat backs and any other faceted objects will lose their faceted appearance when covered with Amazing Glaze.
- Charms, metal beads and components work well, as do many crafting embellishments.

To prevent objects from moving during the heating process, use a small amount of glue to stabilize them.

13. What temperature should I pre-heat my toaster oven or conventional oven to?